How quickly does a learning programme have to show its value? Some will potentially take months or years before the outcomes are noticeable or measurable.

Take sickness absence for example. Every organisation will have some form of intervention every 2-3 years. And what difference – exactly – does it make? How soon after some intervention would you expect to see some difference? As importantly, how would you expect to measure these effects?

It is part of the learning functions purpose to educate the sponsors. If they’re wanting immediate effects they’ll not need you; they’ll need a magic wand. Part of the education has to be about what can/will be done but also about how long it may take before they’ll see the impact.